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Professor and students in the chemistry lab.

Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of… everything. Well, not everything, exactly, but the substances that make up everything—the parts and particles of all the matter that make up what we know as the world, including building materials, clothes, drugs, food, and a million other things.

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Degree Types
Major , Minor
Institution
Complementary Programs
Biochemistry
Biology
Health Sciences
Heart
Distinctive Requirements
Capstone
Document
Research Facilities
4 research labs

Why McDaniel for Your Chemistry Degree?

The Chemistry Department meets the needs of a diverse population of students. The goal of our Chemistry courses is to produce active, inquisitive learners who have competence, integrity, and professionalism. Our Chemistry graduates are able to acquire and analyze data, formulate and critically evaluate hypotheses, and communicate results. We seek to provide our students with a sound foundational knowledge and understanding of the principles and practices of the discipline of chemistry, including the areas of inorganic, organic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry. We also provide students with training in the skills of traditional, instrumental, and computational methods of investigation.

You’ll also have plenty of opportunities for internships and research to give you practical experience. Recently, internships for McDaniel students have ranged from participation as research assistants in the genomics lab at the National Cancer Institute to shadowing physicians in the Emergency Department of a nearby full-service hospital.

What do chemists do?

Chemists investigate matter’s structure and composition, its properties, and the way it behaves when it interacts with other types of matter. In McDaniel’s classrooms and laboratories, you’ll have ample opportunity to discover what parts of the vast field of Chemistry are most interesting to you. And your professors will be with you every step of the way, counseling you to ensure that you take the courses that will help you discover and best meet your career goals.

Chemistry Major Classes

CHE 1104 - General Chemistry II: Chemical Reactivity

The second half of the two-semester, general chemistry sequence is designed primarily for those students who are interested in majoring in the sciences and have sufficiently solid backgrounds in science and mathematics to allow for a more in-depth investigation of the field. The course starts with an overview of the physical properties of solids, liquids and gases and how they can be interpreted using kinetic molecular theory. Major topics also include an introduction to chemical kinetics, the principles of chemical equilibrium, and chemical thermodynamics. Finally, a detailed study of two important classes of reactions, acid-base and reduction-oxidation, will be covered. In the laboratory, students explore gases, solutions, kinetics, and equilibrium, using conventional and instrumental techniques, applying their skills in a problem-solving environment.

CHE 2206 - Bioinorganic Chemistry

Bioinorganic chemistry examines the role of inorganic species in the chemistry of life. The topic lies at the interface of inorganic chemistry and biochemistry. Representative topics of study include the role of Iron in oxygen transport and the respiratory chain, the biochemistry of Zinc, and Inorganics in medicine. The associated laboratory comprises two components: guided inquiry experiments, and open inquiry experiments. The guided inquiry experiments provide students with experience in synthesis and property determination for selected inorganic species.  The open inquiry experiments involve students designing and undertaking experiments on biologically related inorganic themes. 

BIO 3316 - Animal Physiology

A study and analysis of functional processes in animals and the involvement of these processes in homeostatic regulation. Topics include osmotic and ionic regulation, excretion, respiration, circulation, muscles, nervous communication, and hormones.

CHE 3205 - The Chemical Literature

An introduction to modern searching of the scientific literature using electronic databases, including Chemical Abstracts. Specific instruction is given in the techniques and strategies used in searching subjects, authors, and substances in retrospective, forward, and relational databases. As a culminating experience in this course, students will perform a comprehensive literature search on a subject and then produce a concise review of the topic.

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Special Opportunities

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American Chemical Society Specialization

The American Chemical Society specialization offers a nationally recognized standard in chemistry education. With a rigorous curriculum (adding in subjects like biochemistry and calculus), this specialization gives you a strong foundation in chemical knowledge and experimentation. By graduation, you'll be prepared for careers in industry or advanced studies. 

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Chemistry Major with Education Minor

Thinking about teaching someday? A minor in Education is a great place to start. 

McDaniel students and faculty pose for a group photo in front of an ACS conference sign

Attend a Research Conference

Opportunities for on-campus student-faculty research often lead students to presenting — and earning awards — at national conferences! 

In the spring of 2024, students who conducted Chemistry research presented their original work at two national conferences, the American Chemical Society Conference and the Intercollegiate Student Chemists Convention. 

The McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

McDaniel’s women’s basketball team in France.

Study Abroad

Students cleaning silver.

Internships

Professor with student in research lab.

Research

What can you do with a Chemistry major?

McDaniel chemistry graduates go on to great graduate school programs and exciting jobs for Chemistry majors at a wide variety of companies. Students have recently been employed at places like:

  • The University of Texas Health Science Center
  • Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • The Food and Drug Administration
  • Kimmell Cancer Center
  • Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania
  • LabCorp

Recent graduates have also gained acceptance in Chemistry PhD programs at several of the top tier graduate schools including:

  • University of California, Davis
  • University of California, Santa Barbara
  • Northeastern University
  • University of Maryland

Chemistry Major Salary and Job Outlook

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124,170

Annual median wage for Maryland chemists in 2023

8

Projected job growth in the U.S. (2023-33), higher than average

A student in a lab coat stands in front of a white background while wearing a pair of science goggles on their head and blue gloves and holding up a beaker with a blue liquid inside.

Meet an Alum Class of 2024: Lauren Logue Hands-On Lab Experiences

Through her Health Sciences major, Lauren Logue was introduced to her love for Chemistry. "I was able to conduct research on cobalt complexes with Dr. Craig. Thanks to this experience, I was then able to attend and present my research at the National American Chemical Society conference in New Orleans during the spring of 2024. This experience was amazing, and it allowed me to create connections with others from all around the world, while also vastly broadening my own chemical knowledge."

Read about Lauren's McDaniel experience.
Kaitlin Mahoney at NY marathon 2019

Alumni Spotlight Dr. Kaitlin Mahoney ’13

Dr. Kaitlin Mahoney ’13 is in her element. The Exercise Chemistry graduate is now in training as Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician with the University of Tennessee. She sees patients at a family medicine clinic and at the UT student health center. She is learning from neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, doctors of physical therapy and athletic trainers and is gaining experience as a team physician with the Knoxville Ice Bears. Becoming a physician and working with athletes of all kinds has been on Mahoney’s radar for as long as she can remember.

Read "Dr. Kaitlin Mahoney ’13"
Photo of Chemistry Professor Dana Ferraris in the lab wearing a lab coat and goggles.

Faculty Spotlight Dana Ferraris Associate Professor and Department Chair

“I spent over 15 years as a medicinal chemist working on drug discovery projects in the pharmaceutical industry. I am still passionate about teaching undergraduates medicinal chemistry and oncology based drug discovery.” 

Read a Q&A with Dana Ferraris, Ph.D.

Recent News for Chemistry

  • McDaniel students and faculty pose for a group photo in front of an ACS conference sign

    McDaniel students present Chemistry research at two major conferences

    This spring, McDaniel students had the opportunity to present and be recognized for their original student-faculty at the American Chemical Society Conference and the Intercollegiate Student Chemists Convention, which host researchers from across the U.S.
  • McDaniel's Academic Symposium Logo.

    McDaniel's annual Academic Symposium showcases the liberal arts in action

    McDaniel's Academic Symposium on Monday, April 29, includes a robust program of innovative and inspiring presentations. Throughout the day, McDaniel students, faculty, and staff showcase their original research, scholarship, and creative achievements. Plus, a keynote lunch features Assistant Professor of Biology Allison Kerwin who received a three-year National Science Foundation grant (advance registration is required).
  • Two students and a professor stand together in the lab, all three wearing white lab coats.

    In the lab: students illuminate sunscreen performance

    We wear sunscreen to prevent burns, but have you ever wondered if your go-to formula is really blocking the sun? To find out, student researchers are testing the light-blocking abilities and chemical compositions of popular sunscreens as part of the Student-Faculty Collaborative Summer Research Program.

Related Programs

Biochemistry Health Sciences Biology Teaching, M.S. Environmental Studies
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Keep in Touch

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll share updates & information. (We'll also make sure you don't miss any important deadlines.)

Request More Info
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See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

Visit McDaniel
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